Best way to get sand out fast!

[iwishtofish]

How can I do this? I have only 9 hermit crabs in my tank, and I think want to remove my 1" to 1-1/2" medium-size sand. I would siphon it out, but that would probably remove more water than a massive water change would replace.

Should I scoop it into a net, or a big plastic cup? Any suggestions?

 

[Greg 45]

I first scooped it with a net.
Then used a 1/2 inside diameter hose to ger the rest out.
Just clump it together before siphoning.

 

[hollister]

Use a large zip lock and scoop it in.

 

[thegrun]

Use a siphon hose and let the water settle, then dump it back into the tank, preferably through a filter sock. How long has the tank been set up? If it's 6 months or more you are going to stir up a fair amount of detritus. There is some risk with reintroducing the water, but it would be much better than scooping it out, which will definitely cloud the water. Expect to see your nitrate level jump up if you reintroduce the water or use the scoop method. It would be better all around to only remove 1/4 of the sand at a time spaced a week apart.

 

[Remn]

Use a siphon hose and let the water settle, then dump it back into the tank, preferably through a filter sock. How long has the tank been set up? If it's 6 months or more you are going to stir up a fair amount of detritus. There is some risk with reintroducing the water, but it would be much better than scooping it out, which will definitely cloud the water. Expect to see your nitrate level jump up if you reintroduce the water or use the scoop method. It would be better all around to only remove 1/4 of the sand at a time spaced a week apart.

This is what I would do. I would re-use the water, but strain it through a filter sock first.

 

[iwishtofish]

Thanks to all for the suggestions - sorry not to answer everyone individually. I would have no problem re-using the water, but I wouldn't mind stirring up detritus, either; I don't really have any animals (except crabs), and would attach a filter sock before scooping...

How long would the nitrates spike after stirring things up? The tank has only been filled since March 27, but I did feed a fish (RIP) and the crabs regularly.